Letter from the Editor
Welcome to October 2007 (Volume 1: Issue 8) of Youth Media Reporter (YMR).
This issue explores the use of digital media in relation to young people and community in an increasingly global world. Many thanks to this months contributors from Zongo Junction Youth Photo Program, the Lower East Side Girls Club, P.O.V. Youth Views, and Amigos de las Americas.
The pieces in this issue cover:
• Ways photography and writing can create a sense of cultural identity for young people in Ghana, set against the western cultural “tsunami” that greatly affects youth globally
• Why technology and global dialogue is vital to young women and marginalized communities
• The importance of teaching youth how to use media for community screenings and social activism
• How digital media can act as a cultural exchange in Latin American service projects
In addition to this month’s featured articles, check out our professional of the month Irene V., manager of Youth Views in New York, NY, who loves Riot Grrrl and is an activist, organizer, and media creator.
October has been a busy month for YMR. So far, we have co-sponsored a convening of media literacy educators and youth media practitioners regarding the cost of copyright—a report funded by the MacArthur Foundation. An article covering the cross-continental dialogue surrounding this report on copyright and fair use will be released in November—issue #10—the last YMR issue of the year.
In addition, YMR will co-sponsor a two part “Youth Media Educators Forum” at NAMAC’s “Frontier is Here” conference with Global Action Project, Youth Media Learning Network, and Listen Up! in Austin, TX. Join the forum at the Sheraton Hotel from 2:30-4:30 PM Wednesday, October 17th and at Club Deville from 7:30-9:30 PM Friday, October 19th. Reflections will be available in the November issue as well.
In early January 2008, we will release the first print version of YMR with 10 “special feature” articles that investigate trends, issues, and challenges current to the youth media field. If you would like a copy of the print journal, send a request to idahl@aed.org.
If you would like to be published in YMR please contact me at idahl@aed.org. As always, we also encourage you to provide feedback or begin a conversation about any of the current articles, simply use the comment feature next to each article on the YMR website.
Warmly,
Ingrid Hu Dahl
Editor, YMR